One of the best parts of SER2025 is the chance to connect, network, and learn from peers. The SER Student and Emerging Professional Committee (SEPC) has planned several conference sessions and a social event in Denver, offering opportunities to meet others students and emerging professionals in ecological restoration.
If you’re new to SER and interested in membership, a student and emerging professional membership is available at a reduced rate. Learn more here: www.ser.org/students-and-new-professionals.
WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER
SER Regional Chapters Networking Lunches
Time and location: 12:45 – 13:45 | Location Capital Ballrooms 123, 4, and 567
This is a great opportunity to connect with chapter leaders and others in your region. Grab your lunch and join your local chapter to get to know your colleagues as SER2025 kicks off.
Student and Emerging Professionals Mentor-Mentee Session
Time and location: 14:00 – 16:00 | Capital Ballroom 567
Moderators: Ekaterina Lengefeld & Isabel Pratten
This session features small discussion groups with mentors working in various restoration fields including, forest restoration, grassland restoration, coastal and marine restoration, funding acquisition, wildland urban interface, wetland restoration, mine reclamation, traditional ecological and Indigenous knowledge, and restoration project management. Following the discussions, delegates are encouraged to mix and mingle with the larger group. Arrive on time to reserve your spot, as pre-registration is not available for this session.
Student Poster Session
Time and location: 18:30 – 20:30 | Capital Ballroom
Meet fellow students working in your field and learn about their latest work during the conference poster session.
THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER
Getting Published in Restoration Ecology: A Workshop for Students and Early Career Professionals
Time and location: 14:00 – 16:00 | Capital Ballroom 123
Organizer: Valter Almaral
This workshop will help researchers and graduate students learn how to effectively publish their findings, addressing common challenges like making broader generalizations from local data and overcoming language barriers.
Student and Emerging Professionals Lightning Panel
Time and location: 16:30 – 18:00 | Mineral Hall C
Moderators: Ekaterina Lengefeld & Isabel Pratten
This session features a panel of 5 speakers from different career paths, including academia, consulting, private industry, government, and international agencies. Each speaker will discuss their background, career journey, and current work, followed by an open question-and-answer session.
Student and Emerging Professionals Social
Time and location: 18:30 – 21:30 | Lucky Strike Denver, 500 16th Street Mall #340 Denver, CO
Organizers: Ekaterina Lengefeld & Isabel Pratten
Join fellow students and emerging professionals (SEPs) for a fun evening just a short walk away from the Hyatt, from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Lucky Strike bowling alley. Enjoy bowling, billiards, food, drinks, while connecting with fellow SEPs in a relaxed, social setting.
FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER
Mind the Gap: Bridging the generational gap to provide students and emerging professionals tools for success
Time and location: 10:30 – 12:30 | Minerall Hall A
Moderators: Gaby Sosa, Enzo Martelli, and Travis Sowards
Designed to position students and emerging professionals for success, this session will focus on the role of emerging scientists in restoration ecology, and how to establish, grow, and sustain a successful SER Student Association.
Student and Emerging Professionals Networking Lunch
Time and location: 12:45 – 13:45 | Location Mineral Hall ABC
Pick up your boxed lunch and join your fellow SEP members for a final meal before the conference ends.